Let me get this straight. A poor dog is hit by a car, lying there in agony and suffering, basically left to die, while the Denver police stand around and say they are protecting citizens by keeping the public from helping the dog. And then they threaten anyone who tries to help the animal with arrest. I guess the guise of “serve and protect” only applies to humans.

If I want to help an injured animal, and I’m willing to take the risk that such animal may attack me in the process, then that is a chance I will take. I’ll live with the consequences. I would surely have been put in jail on this one, as I could not and would not stand by while that poor dog spent its last 90 minutes on this earth in misery.

Next time I need help, I’ll call the fire department or a paramedic — someone who shows compassion for all living creatures.

Cindy Perilstein, Larkspur

This letter was published in the April 17 edition.

The story of the dog that was hit by a car in Denver and denied aid while it died in the street highlights a critical flaw in Denver Police Department’s protocols.

I teach pet first aid and CPR classes, so this issue hits very close to home. One of the very first things we teach is that any animal in pain can and will bite. DPD had it right on that account, and couldn’t risk the liability or safety of pedestrians. However, if a trained animal control officer is not available, there should be a protocol in place to get the pet to an emergency veterinarian or humanely euthanize it.

Due to budget cuts and restructuring of the departments, animal control officers are not on staff 24/7. When they are not, the onus falls to the first responders.

Animal control officers can be stretched thin during major disasters like our flood and fires. So it raises the question: Who cares for these animals? We are not a community that lets our beloved pets die in the streets.

Jordan Di Marco, Broomfield

This letter was published in the April 17 edition.

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